Biology

Physiology

Raticate are much larger than Rattata, are mostly tawny in color with a lighter-colored underside, and although they are still classified as quadrupedal Raticate typically walk on two legs. Like Rattata, Raticate’s most prominent feature is its very large incisor teeth that grow quickly. Three rows of whiskers extend from its muzzle, which it uses to maintain balance. They also possess webbed feet, which can enable them to swim. Raticate has a much more rat-like tail than Rattata, being long, scaled, and bare, and its ears are more ragged in shape.

Gender differences

Females have shorter whiskers and their fur is a lighter color.

Special abilities

Raticate have teeth that are strong enough to gnaw through steel. They can swim, and they also have the ability to intimidate their foes (although they cannot have the actual Ability).

Behavior

Raticate are a bit more aggressive than Rattata, due to its bigger size. If attacked, it stands up on its hind legs, bares its fangs and shrieks in an intimidating manner at its enemy. They need something to gnaw on such as rocks or logs or their teeth may grow too much. They are willing to take on larger foes if provoked enough. Raticate searches wide areas for food, and the webbing on its hind legs enable it to cross rivers. As Raticate uses its whiskers to maintain balance, it will apparently slow down if they are cut off.

Trivia

Origin

It most resembles a muskrat, a semi-aquatic rodent, due to the large teeth, whiskers, fur, and body shape. The scruffy ears look like those of a Guinea pig. Its webbed feet are very similar to the coypu, a South American rodent.

Name origin

Raticate seems to be either a combination of rat and eradicate (to destroy or exterminate) or just a corruption of eradicate. The latter part could also be derived from masticate (to chew), relating to its mouth and teeth.